The 2016-17 Ligue 1 crown may be the only domestic trophy that Unai Emery’s Paris Saint-Germain that eludes them if overall form is to be believed. But with the Coupe de France Final at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis looming, the time has come for the Parisians to put their best foot forward and ensure themselves that they will be the best-performing French top division team actually based in France.

To do so, they must manage the game better against Christophe Galtier’s AS Saint-Etienne, who acquitted themselves well in their 1-1 draw with PSG at the Parc des Princes earlier this season. A more authoritative effort will send a strong message to Stephane Moulin’s Angers SCO along the lines of, “We may not be Champions of France, but we remain the best-performing Ligue 1 team based in France and we’re going to pass Marseille for most French Cups so you’ve been warned, mon freres.”

Okay, maybe not along the lines of such brash bravado as that, but the many setbacks that PSG have had on the road have forced the Rouge et Bleu to exhibit humility and respect and dignity for the game, their opponents, and especially themselves. This season is, without a doubt, a huge step back and in this contest, expect those on the fringe to be fighting for their futures with this proud sports organization, as bleak as it may be along the lines of Zimbabwe.

Our live blog begins at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET. Kickoff is at 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET and will also feature occasional updates from all the action across the league, including that of Leonardo Jardim’s AS Monaco, and a clear-cut chance to clinch the title ahead of their presumed title-clinching party/home tie in the posh principality with Saint-Etienne…with a plain and possible pasting of Franck Passi’s Lille OSC in the shadow true of the Stade Louis II. How do you do… Sarah Cracknell, send help.

Keep it right here on The Stoppage Time, powered by Azteca Soccer, for more world football news. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Jo-Ryan Salazar is a writer for The Stoppage Time, a soccer blog powered by Azteca Soccer. A supporter of the Los Angeles Galaxy since 1996 and a committed supporter since 2002, Jo-Ryan also follows Chelsea FC, Melbourne Victory, FC Tokyo and Paris Saint-Germain. Apart from soccer, Jo-Ryan is an administrative assistant for a local nonprofit in Long Beach, California and also does photography, photo-editing and fictional writing.